[sirkingwilliam]

Midway of Houston and GrayStreet of San Antonio are proposing a large scale mixed use development on former alone Star Brewery site.

The cluster of buildings comprising the Lone Star Brewery have sat empty since 1996, gathering graffiti and falling into disrepair as nearby neighborhoods have flourished and sections of the River Walk remade.

It’s not for lack of interest. Developers have attempted several times to revitalize the 32-acre site across the San Antonio River from Roosevelt Park, but their efforts failed because of costs, bankruptcies and environmental problems.

A new group — a partnership between Houston-based developer Midway and local firm GrayStreet Partners — is confident they can make it work.

With a different ownership structure, experience developing large projects, a new plan for the site, bond funding for improvements on Lone Star Boulevard and Roosevelt Avenue and a swell of construction in the center city, it might actually happen.

Midway has built large developments in Houston, including the 2 million-square-foot CityCentre. Its portfolio encompasses about $2 billion of upscale mixed-use sites. The firm is turning a sprawling swath along Buffalo Bayou into housing, offices and retail.

“We really think about, when we create these districts, what’s compelling for someone to come at all times of the day and/or be with us all day?” said Jonathan Brinsden, Midway’s CEO. “Whether you’re a resident, a community shopper, a potential office tenant or even someone utilizing the trail system, what is it we can offer you to come and stay for a while and hang out?"

The companies plan to turn the Lone Star complex into a pedestrian-friendly mix of apartments, offices, restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, art and green space for events and spending time outdoors.